Dotty Detective: The paw print puzzle by Clara Vulliamy
HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008132453
(Age: Beginning independent readers) Inspired by their favourite
television character Fred Fantastic, Ace Detective, Dotty
and her best friend Beans have formed the Join The Dots Detective
Agency. They have special badges that they wear underneath their
coat collars so they don't blow their cover and are ably assisted by
Dotty's dog McClusky to solve mysteries that seem to occur. They are
guided by Fred Fantastic's tenets of :
1. Stay Frosty. Always be on the lookout.
2. Follow That Hunch. If you've got a funny feeling you may be onto
something important.
3. Use Your Noodle. Think.
4. A Light Bulb Moment. A sudden genius idea.
5. Get Proof. You must have the evidence before you can solve your
case.
6. Jeepers Creepers. Use your Peepers.
In this episode they set out to solve the strange noises that Dotty
hears in her hallway at night. When she opens her door and can't see
anything she is almost convinced to believe in ghosts and that her
house is haunted. But by using the clues, conveyed through secret
notes written in invisible writing, they are able to identify what
is really going on . . .
This is a series that is perfect for the newly independent reader
with its layout, illustrations, larger font, shorter chapters and
humour. The pace is rapid and the use of a variety of fonts
highlights key ideas and actions without the need for a host of
words. Girls will relate to her feisty nature but boys will also
find the situations familiar and appealing. Others in the series are
The
Midnight Mystery, and The Lost Puppy.
A worthwhile new series to get for those who are beginning their
independent reading journey.
Barbara Braxton